Strong Hearts Strong Minds

Student Leadership in Senior Primary

Colossians Chapter 3 talks about leadership (and therefore life in general), as a calling to show kindness, compassion, patience, humility, gentleness, and forgiveness. A good leader is one who serves others, just as Jesus Himself came to serve and not be served.

MECS has a long history of student leaders. A few years ago, Senior Primary teachers changed the leadership process. Much work went into explaining the importance of leadership, not as a ‘popularity contest’, but as a truly valued and responsible partnership with the school. Students put themselves forward for a role, wrote, practised, and delivered a speech to their cohort, who then voted for the person they believed would represent the Level effectively. Teachers also had input in choosing the candidates. This ties in perfectly with the Civics and Citizenship component of the curriculum, where students learn about the solemnity of voting using Australia’s preferential system. Further work was done in teaching students how to celebrate humbly and commiserate graciously. Real life experience includes applying for a job, or a desired role, where we may or may not be successful. This develops confidence and resilience, and we are proud to say that each year the number of candidates has exponentially grown. But why is school leadership important? Student voice and agency are integral to build an effective culture and sense of pride. Senior Primary teachers work with leaders to listen to ideas and encourage implemented change. For example, in 2023, the cohort raised over $6,000 for various charities, whilst raising awareness in the community, ably led by our Student Leaders.

For the third year, the School and Tribal Leaders attended the National Young Leaders Conference, which is held at Melbourne’s Convention Centre. Over two thousand Primary and Secondary students listened to various Keynote Speakers, who often have a common theme. This year, each one spoke about their difficulties at school, or their lack of confidence or perceived ability. However, their determination to follow a particular passion, alongside positive role models, led them to successful vocations. Leaders don’t always have to be academics, which is a powerful message to hear. God bestows different talents and giftings to make the world an interesting and diverse place!

This year, for the first time, students joined other schools at the Christian Leadership Conference at Mount Waverley College, Narre Warren. The overall theme was developing a strong Christian mind. What has God placed in our hands and how can it be developed? How can these talents be used for God? Students learned about ‘backwards leadership’, where one leads by example, just as Jesus modelled. It is leadership that is unexpected (shows more than it tells), sacrificial (you before me), faithful (don’t give up), and showing compassion (even through fear). God sees both our intrinsic and extrinsic behaviour and goodwill towards others.

Our School Leaders will be involved in many tasks throughout this year. They are often the ‘face’ of our Primary School: running GTs, greeting visitors, helping our younger students in the playground, assisting with various tasks, and generally being called upon to serve others. We look forward to seeing them develop their skills further. 

SP Teaching Team

Here are a couple of Leadership Conference reflections from SP students

Imagine this: you take a school trip on a minibus with only eleven other people to arrive at a huge beautiful building! You are rushed inside and into the toilets only to find that they are luxurious and good enough to adorn a mansion! When you leave, you rush into the auditorium and there is music radiating off the walls. Thousands of children's chatter echoes around the room and you realise that you are a part of a bigger picture… you get to learn about leaders from all over the world! It's so inspiring that you are still talking about it now and you'll never forget it. That is what all the Senior Primary leaders experienced at the Halogen Leadership Conference. It was incredible. 

Gabrielle 

The buzzing of voices gradually increases as I slowly lower myself into the soft padded chair, preparing myself for the coming event. This is important to me, and I hope I’ll remember this day for as long as I live. The blinding summer sun bursts forth to meet me as my foot hits the vibrant green grass of the oval. There’s so much going on around me, it’s hard to focus on just one thing but I manage, thinking of the fact that I’m here, my friends are here, and this is the student Christian Leadership Conference. 

Quin